WATCH: This Dentist Has a Genius Tip to Help You Fall Asleep

I have done lots of things in the name of a sounder night of shut eye from chugging SOM SLEEP for a week to lavender-infused, well, everything. Now, I'm adding one more to the list: Grabbing my journal.

As New York City-based dentist, Dr. Martha Cortés, DDS, who sub-specializes in the treatment of sleep breathing disorders, explained to PureWow, writing can help calm down your thoughts and help you shift into a state of relaxation. What you actually jot down doesn't matter, so feel free to experiment with writing in the stream of consciousness style, venting about something troubling you, or making a to-do list for the next day.

It should go without saying, but be sure to do your writing with a pen or pencil and paper. Using your smartphone or another electronic device before bed can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.